Kevin Naze column: Expert tips on controlling buck fever

DNR crews have released more than 100,000 Great Lakes strain spotted muskies into the waters of Green Bay since reintroduction efforts began in 1989. In recent years, that includes a goal of about 3,000 fingerlings raised annually in a pond at the Besadny fisheries facility near Kewaunee. The young fish come from eggs spawned from adult Fox River muskies each spring. On Oct. 15, fisheries staff netted the pond at Besadny and trucked the muskies to a number of stocking sites, including Carmody County Park in Little Sturgeon Bay.
(Photo:
Kevin Naze/For the Kewaunee County Star-News
)

Every fall, thousands of archery and gun deer hunters are struck with a malady that can surprise and frustrate even the most veteran among them.

Buck fever.

Just the sound of it is an adrenaline rush for many as they relive some of their best — and worst — moments frozen in time.

Chuck Adams, the world's most accomplished and published bow hunter, shared some of his tips to help cure the affliction in an online story for North American Hunter recently.

Adams said that while there's no substitute for bow hunting experience, trying to get close to wild animals in the off-season can help some, as can visiting a fenced enclosure such as a game farm or zoo and studying the animals as close as allowed.

Dedicated target practice — knowing that both your equipment and eye can be trusted — may also help calm your nerves. Shooting hundreds or even thousands of arrows in the months prior to the hunt may help you go on autopilot at the moment of truth.

If all else fails, Adams recommends a psychological tactic to help you stay calm. He focuses on the bowsight pin rather than the animal's vitals.

For more tips from Adams and other experienced hunters, visit http://hunting.scout.com.

Whitetails Unlimited, Inc. of Sturgeon Bay has recently partnered with a new group that is offering free membership while working to unite and educate hunters.

The goal of the National Deer Alliance is to serve as the unified voice of the modern deer hunter and guardian of North America's wild deer, wildlife habitat and the hunting heritage. Members will be kept informed on key deer issues through a weekly email, and real-time through social media and the NDA website.

Soon, members will have the opportunity to have their voice heard by participating in advocacy efforts. When a subject of broad concern is identified, a steering committee will engage NDA staff and members to achieve positive outcomes for deer and deer hunting.

Deer are the most commonly pursued and economically important big game animal in North America. However, less than one percent of deer hunters belong to a national conservation organization dedicated to the protection of deer and our deer hunting heritage.

During the inaugural North American Whitetail Summit held in March, the Quality Deer Management Association was identified as the organization best suited to form this new umbrella organization as a natural extension of our current mission.

Craig Dougherty is serving as the initial Executive Director of NDA, with additional support from select QDMA staff including Kip Adams and Matt Ross. Eventually, NDA will have its own staff.

Interested hunters can get a free membership and sign up for the e-updates at www.nationaldeeralliance.com.

New big game glove

There's a hunting product available that'll help keep you and your hunting clothes clean.

Unlike the cheap, thin plastic disposables that often rip and leak, the Big Game Gut Glove is reusable and helps protect from cuts.

Designed by hunters, the gloves are made from tough synthetic rubber with an anti-microbial cotton liner. The gloves are long — 26 inches — and come with self-tightening shoulder grip to help keep them from slipping. They're also easily washed and dried;. no more "one-and-done" field dressing gloves.

Of course, the gloves could also be used for cleaning fish, or general handyman cleaning, too.

A sizing chart online shows how to measure your hand at the fullest part just below the knuckles to find the perfect fit. Check 'em out at www.altusbrands.com.

Hunting ethics

The Boone & Crockett Club has a new video on hunting ethics, conservation and fair chase. Check it out at www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNsIvsqHbqs&feature=youtube_gdata_player.

Kevin Naze is a freelance outdoor writer. Email him at wildtimes@wizunwired.net.